NEW CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATING - QUESTION - NEED HELP - FLORIDA

[Cybatrex]

Hey Folks,

I need help with a bid in terms of what my area's average cost per square footage is. I don't want to overdo the bid and have no form of reference at all without calling my competitors and just asking.

AREA: South Florida
My Estimated Per Sq Foot Cost: $4.85
Total Cost: $8,500 (Rounded)
Square Footage: 1,750 (Rounded)

Do you think this is a high cost for rough in only without any fixtures being installed?

The Problem: My only reference was from another electrician in Pennsylvania who stated I should be somewhere around $3.80 per square foot. I have scrutinized every single detail and it's impossible to get there. Let me know what you think, I can really use the help.

 

[Little Bill]

If you have a set of prints, do a take-off on the devices, wire, etc. If not draw up a simple plan showing each switch (SP, 3-way, dimmer, etc) receptacles, 120V, 240V receptacles and amps. If you know the room sizes figure the amount of wire needed. Then figure all the homeruns.
Add up all the devices, wire, boxes, everything needed for rough & trim (less the fixtures).
Add your mark-up, overhead, desired profit, and labor.

Compare that to your sq ft price to see how that comes out.

I don't see how anyone can do a sq ft price unless he has done several of the same size houses and knows what it takes to do it.

1500 sq ft house with normal everything $xxxx.xx
1500 sq ft house with 14' ceilings, 75 can lights, Decora devices, 8 more homeruns, 7 more AFCI breakers, etc.
Would you be able to bid the same on each of these 1500 sq ft houses?

 

[JFletcher]

Hey Folks,

I need help with a bid in terms of what my area's average cost per square footage is. I don't want to overdo the bid and have no form of reference at all without calling my competitors and just asking.

AREA: South Florida
My Estimated Per Sq Foot Cost: $4.85
Total Cost: $8,500 (Rounded)
Square Footage: 1,750 (Rounded)

Do you think this is a high cost for rough in only without any fixtures being installed?

The Problem: My only reference was from another electrician in Pennsylvania who stated I should be somewhere around $3.80 per square foot. I have scrutinized every single detail and it's impossible to get there. Let me know what you think, I can really use the help.

It's probably impossible to get there as PA is on the 2008 NEC (with amendments I think) and Fl is on the 2014; the number of extra AFCI breakers alone would be ~$0.25/ft. Lots of LED compatible dimmers, any sub-panels, pool/spa install, LV landscaping lights, generator, communication (cable, phone, internet) and/or security wiring can easily change the per sq ft cost more than what you've listed.

A bottom bin, bare bones 1750 sq ft install sans fixtures might be able to be done for $2.80 a sq ft. One thing is certain: you can only do the install for so little; you can't cut your throat to win a bid. If you dont get it, then ask what the winning bid was, learn from that. Maybe that EC has thought of things you havent, perhaps he's on his was to insolvency.

and ditto LittleBill's excellent post.

 

[Coppersmith]

Hey Folks,

I need help with a bid in terms of what my area's average cost per square footage is. I don't want to overdo the bid and have no form of reference at all without calling my competitors and just asking.

AREA: South Florida
My Estimated Per Sq Foot Cost: $4.85
Total Cost: $8,500 (Rounded)
Square Footage: 1,750 (Rounded)

Do you think this is a high cost for rough in only without any fixtures being installed?

The Problem: My only reference was from another electrician in Pennsylvania who stated I should be somewhere around $3.80 per square foot. I have scrutinized every single detail and it's impossible to get there. Let me know what you think, I can really use the help.

New construction work pays the least of any electrical work you can do, especially in South Florida. Are you sure your time wouldn't be better spent doing remodel work or service work? Both of these pay much better.

 

[Cybatrex]

Hey Folks,

I need help with a bid in terms of what my area's average cost per square footage is. I don't want to overdo the bid and have no form of reference at all without calling my competitors and just asking.

AREA: South Florida
My Estimated Per Sq Foot Cost: $4.85
Total Cost: $8,500 (Rounded)
Square Footage: 1,750 (Rounded)

Do you think this is a high cost for rough in only without any fixtures being installed?

The Problem: My only reference was from another electrician in Pennsylvania who stated I should be somewhere around $3.80 per square foot. I have scrutinized every single detail and it's impossible to get there. Let me know what you think, I can really use the help.

I see what you mean and understand completely. I'm just trying to get a rough idea or a ball park so I have an idea where to come in at. This area has tons of block wall runs. If I had a frame of reference, it would make me feel better. I'm just going to submit it anyway. I have analyzed every single detail of this. 13 tabs in excel under 1 workbook with everything down to bathroom breaks :lol:

 

[Cybatrex]

New construction work pays the least of any electrical work you can do, especially in South Florida. Are you sure your time wouldn't be better spent doing remodel work or service work? Both of these pay much better.

I'm starting to think you are right. Why do so many companies do it? It seems cut throat. People willing to work for nothing.

 

[Cybatrex]

If you have a set of prints, do a take-off on the devices, wire, etc. If not draw up a simple plan showing each switch (SP, 3-way, dimmer, etc) receptacles, 120V, 240V receptacles and amps. If you know the room sizes figure the amount of wire needed. Then figure all the homeruns.
Add up all the devices, wire, boxes, everything needed for rough & trim (less the fixtures).
Add your mark-up, overhead, desired profit, and labor.

Compare that to your sq ft price to see how that comes out.

I don't see how anyone can do a sq ft price unless he has done several of the same size houses and knows what it takes to do it.

1500 sq ft house with normal everything $xxxx.xx
1500 sq ft house with 14' ceilings, 75 can lights, Decora devices, 8 more homeruns, 7 more AFCI breakers, etc.
Would you be able to bid the same on each of these 1500 sq ft houses?

I see what you mean and understand completely. I'm just trying to get a rough idea or a ball park so I have an idea where to come in at. This area has tons of block wall runs. If I had a frame of reference, it would make me feel better. I'm just going to submit it anyway. I have analyzed every single detail of this. 13 tabs in excel under 1 workbook with everything down to bathroom breaks :lol: